Family Membracidae - Treehoppers

Thorn Bugs

mem-BRAY-ci-dee

from Greek membrax (μεμβραξ) 'a kind of cicada'(1)

257 spp. in 60 genera in our area(2), ~3,200 spp. in >600 genera worldwide(3)

2-20 mm (mostly under 12 mm)(2)

differ from related families in having a large pronotum that extends back over the abdomen and (often) covers the head; many species appear humpbacked or thorn-like; others have spines, horns or keels

Most spp. are host-specific and feed on trees and shrubs, some on herbaceous plants

Eggs overwinter and hatch in the spring. Nymphs drop to the ground. They return to trees to lay eggs. Most species are solitary, but many occur in groups or clusters and exhibit presocial behavior--adults often stay near nymphs, tending them. Many have mutualistic relationships with ants--the ants fend off predators and/or parasites and collect sugary fluid secreted by the hoppers.

Only a few species are considered pests; most of the damage is caused by egg-laying